Hurst, Cardinals keep 'Tugas from sweep, 2-1

JUPITER, Fla. - CF Scott Hurst drove in both of Palm Beach's runs - including a game-tying knock in the seventh - as the Cardinals salvaged the final game of the series, defeating the Daytona Tortugas, 2-1, on Thursday night at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.

Tied at one in the bottom of the seventh, SS José Martínez (1-3, R) collected a single to left-center and advanced into scoring position on a two-out knock by 3B Yariel González (2-3, BB). With first and second and two out, Hurst (2-4, 2 RBI, SO) poked a single into left field. Martínez raced around and scored from second to give Palm Beach (32-20) a 2-1 lead.
Thanks to Hurst, the Cardinals dented the scoreboard first in the bottom of the third. 2B Michael Perri (1-4, R, SO) began the inning with a single and later moved to second on a two-out stolen base. Following a walk to González, Hurst slapped a single to the right of second base. Perri scrambled home to give the Redbirds a 1-0 advantage.
Daytona (29-24) managed to tie the game at one in the top of the fifth. On the second pitch of the frame, C Hendrik Clementina (1-4, R, HR, RBI, 2 SO) unleashed a laser into left field. The rising liner sailed over the fence for a game-tying solo home run - his fifth of the year.
RHP Mitchell Osnowitz (1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 SO) surrendered three hits in relief but did not give up a run to collect his first win of the year. All-Star RHP Bryan Dobzanski (1.0 IP, 2 SO) tossed a perfect ninth for Palm Beach - punching out a pair - to earn his sixth save.
It was another excruciating defeat for Daytona's RHP Ryan Lillie (6.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO). The 23-year-old yielded only two runs in 6.2 innings, yet still suffered his fourth loss of the 2019 campaign. His counterpart - and former college teammate at UC Riverside - RHP Alex Fagalde (6.0 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) took a no-decision for the Cardinals.
Daytona will remain in Jupiter, as they will open up a three-game series against the Jupiter Hammerheads, High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, on Friday night. RHP Jared Solomon (0-1, 0.00 ERA) is expected to take the mound for the Tortugas. Jupiter has not yet announced their starter for the series opener.
The Tortugas Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:15 p.m. ET, leading up to the 6:30 p.m. ET start at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Friday evening's contest can be heard on daytonatortugas.com or via the TuneIn Radio and MiLB First Pitch apps.
Following the six-game road swing, the Tortugas will return to The Jack for a seven-contest homestand of their own, starting with four contests against the Bradenton Marauders, High-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. The series begins on Monday, June 3 with a Belly Buster Monday presented by Marco's Pizza. Starting at just $13, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, and popcorn along with their game ticket.
Multi-game plans and single-game tickets are still currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com, or by calling the Tortugas' Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.
ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS
The Daytona Tortugas are the High-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of the Florida State League. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach, Fla. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Beijing Shougang Eagles of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and many large community events and initiatives throughout the season.